U.S. patent application number 17/129042 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-15 for greeting card having audio recording capabilities with trial mode feature.
The applicant listed for this patent is HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to RANDY S. KNIPP, TIMOTHY J. LIEN, JOHN B. WATKINS.
Application Number | 20210107310 17/129042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005291891 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210107310 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIEN; TIMOTHY J. ; et
al. |
April 15, 2021 |
GREETING CARD HAVING AUDIO RECORDING CAPABILITIES WITH TRIAL MODE
FEATURE
Abstract
A greeting card having an audio message recording and playback
device permits recording of personalized audio messages to be
played upon opening of the greeting card. The recording device is
operable in either a trial mode or a use mode. In the trial mode,
which would be applicable when the card is displayed in a store, a
potential purchaser may experience the functionality of the card by
recording their own test message. The test message is played back
initially for the potential purchaser but is not subsequently
played back to be later heard by other potential purchasers. In the
use mode, which the card may be switched to after purchase by the
giver of the greeting card, a user recorded message may be played
back repeatedly upon subsequent openings of the card. The user
recorded message may be followed by a prerecorded recording, such
as a song. Additional prerecorded messages, such as voice prompts
with instructions for recording a message, may also be included for
activation in the trial mode.
Inventors: |
LIEN; TIMOTHY J.; (SHAWNEE,
KS) ; KNIPP; RANDY S.; (KANSAS CITY, MO) ;
WATKINS; JOHN B.; (INDEPENDENCE, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED |
Kansas City |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005291891 |
Appl. No.: |
17/129042 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16693176 |
Nov 22, 2019 |
10870306 |
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17129042 |
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16126815 |
Sep 10, 2018 |
10486453 |
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16693176 |
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12101789 |
Apr 11, 2008 |
10071590 |
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16126815 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42D 15/022
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B42D 15/02 20060101
B42D015/02 |
Claims
1. An audio greeting card comprising: a card body having a
plurality of panels; and an audio device for audio message
recording and playback coupled with the card body, the audio device
having a microphone, a speaker, a power source, a first switch for
initiating one or more recording sessions, and a second switch for
initiating a message playback session, wherein the audio device has
a first mode where termination of a recording session initiates a
one-time playback of a recorded message, wherein the audio device
has a second mode where the recorded message is permitted to be
played back more than once, and wherein, after completion of the
one-time playback of the recorded message, initiation of a
subsequent recording session replaces the recorded message with a
subsequently recorded message, termination of the subsequent
recording session initiates a one-time playback of the subsequently
recorded message when the audio device is the first mode, and
additional playback of the subsequently recorded message is only
permitted when the audio device is in the second mode.
2. An audio greeting card comprising: a card body having a
plurality of panels; and an audio device for audio message
recording and playback coupled with the card body, the audio device
having a microphone, a speaker, a power source, and a first switch
for initiating a message recording session, wherein the audio
device initiates playback of a recorded message upon termination of
a message recording session, wherein the audio device has a first
mode where further playback of the recorded message is not
permitted, and wherein the audio device has a second mode where
additional playback of the recorded message is permitted.
3. The audio greeting card of claim 2, wherein the card body is
formed of a single unitary card blank, wherein the panels are
defined by folds in the card blank, wherein the first and second
panels are separated by a first fold line, wherein the second and
third panels are separated by a second fold line, wherein the third
panel is folded over and secured with the second panel, thereby
creating a pocket, and wherein the audio device is positioned
within the pocket.
4. The audio greeting card of claim 2, wherein the audio device
further comprises one or more pre-recorded messages stored
therein.
5. The audio greeting card of claim 4, wherein the audio device
further comprises a second switch for initiating playback of the
recorded message, the one or more pre-recorded messages, or a
combination thereof.
6. The audio greeting card of claim 5, wherein, when the audio
device is in the first mode, activation of the second switch
initiates playback of a first audio message of the one or more
pre-recorded messages and does not initiate playback of the
recorded message.
7. The audio greeting card of claim 6, wherein, when the audio
device is in the second mode, activation of the second switch
initiates playback of a second audio message of the one or more
pre-recorded messages and the recorded message.
8. The audio greeting card of claim 7, wherein, the second audio
message is played back after playback of the recorded message.
9. An audio greeting card comprising: a card body; and an audio
device for audio message recording and playback coupled with the
card body, the audio device having a microphone, a speaker, a power
source, one or more non-user audio recordings stored therein, a
first switch for initiating a message recording session whereby a
user may record a user audio recording, and a second switch for
initiating multiple playback sessions that play the one or more
non-user audio recordings, the user audio recording, or
combinations thereof, wherein the audio device has a first mode and
a second mode, wherein, when the audio device is in the first mode,
activation of the second switch initiates a first playback session
that includes a first non-user audio recording of the one or more
non-user audio recordings and excludes the user audio recording,
wherein, when the audio device is in the second mode, activation of
the second switch initiates a second playback session that includes
the user audio recording and a second non-user audio recording of
the one or more non-user audio recordings and excludes the first
non-user audio recording.
10. The greeting card of claim 9, wherein the card body is formed
of a single unitary card blank having first, second, and third
panels, wherein the first and second panels are separated by a
first fold line in the card blank, wherein the first panel is
pivotable with respect to the second panel between a closed
position, where the first panel overlies the second panel, and an
open position, where the first panel does not overlie the second
panel, wherein the second and third panels are separated by a
second fold line, wherein the third panel is folded over and
secured with the second panel to define a pocket.
11. The greeting card of claim 10, wherein the audio device is at
least partially concealed within the pocket.
12. The greeting card of claim 11, wherein the second switch is a
slide switch with a portion thereof connected to the first
panel.
13. The greeting card of claim 12, wherein the first switch is a
button activated by depression.
14. The greeting card of claim 13, wherein the audio device further
comprises a third switch, wherein, when the third switch is
deactivated, the audio device operates in the first mode, and
wherein, when the third switch is activated, the audio device
operates in the second mode.
15. The greeting card of claim 9, wherein completion of the message
recording session initiates a one-time playback of the user audio
recording.
16. The greeting card of claim 9, wherein one of the one or more
non-user audio recordings stored in the audio device is audible
instructions instructing a user how to perform a recording session,
wherein the audible instructions are included in the first playback
session, and wherein the audible instructions are excluded in the
second playback session.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application that claims priority
benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/693,176,
filed Nov. 22, 2019, and entitled "Greeting Card Having Audio
Recording Capabilities with Trial Mode Feature," which is a
continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/126,815, filed Sep. 10, 2018, and entitled "Greeting Card Having
Audio Recording Capabilities with Trial Mode Feature," which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 10,486,453 on Nov. 26, 2019, and is a continuation
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/101,789, filed
Apr. 11, 2008, entitled "Greeting Card Having Audio Recording
Capabilities with Trial Mode Feature," which issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 10,071,590 on Sep. 11, 2018, all of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a greeting card with an
audio recording component. More particularly, this invention
relates to a greeting card having a user recordable audible message
component that permits a giver of the greeting card to record a
personal audio message on card to customize the greeting card prior
to delivery to its intended recipient. The user recordable
component includes a trial mode that permits potential consumers to
try out the message recording component in a store where the
greeting card is on display.
[0004] Paper greeting cards that play a prerecorded audio messages
upon opening of the card have become well received by consumers.
These cards typically play a portion of a song or an audio clip
from a movie upon opening of the greeting card. In an effort to
provide consumers with the ability to personalize and customize a
sound card prior to its delivery to the intended recipient with
more than personal written sentiment, the present invention permits
users to record their own audio message to the greeting card that
will be played upon opening of the card by the intended recipient.
In one embodiment, the greeting card is already provided with a
prerecorded and permanent recording, such as a song. The user is
then permitted to record their own message to the card that is then
played upon opening of the card as an introduction to or dedication
of the prerecorded sound file. For example, the user could
introduce the song that will follow the user's personal
recording.
[0005] In another embodiment, the card is provided with a second
prerecorded audio file that includes audible instructions to assist
a user of the card in the process of recording of their own
message. This instruction recording is played upon opening of the
card when the card is in a trial mode. The trial mode permits a
potential purchaser to sample the functionality of the greeting
card by recording their own test message. The recorded test message
is then automatically played back upon completion of the recording
session. To avoid having greeting cards that play messages recorded
by previous shoppers, the trial mode of the greeting card does not
provide a manner by which a recorded test message may be played
back a second time at a point subsequent to the automatic
playback.
[0006] The greeting card also includes a use mode where a purchaser
of the card may permanently record an audio message that can be
subsequently played back at a later time. To provide this feature,
the card is provided with a removable portion that switches the
card from the trial mode to the use mode. This feature will be
discussed in greater detail below.
[0007] Further objects, features and advantages of the present
invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed
description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the
attached figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0008] The features of the invention noted above are explained in
more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the
attached drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote
like elements, in which FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one possible
embodiment of the present invention, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of a partially
opened greeting card constructed in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the interior of the greeting
card of FIG. 1 with the greeting card in the fully open
position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the interior of the greeting
card of FIG. 2 with a trial flap moved to the left and certain
internal components of the greeting card illustrated in dashed
lines;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the interior of the greeting
card of FIG. 3 with a majority of a cover panel cut-away to reveal
electrical components of the greeting card;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the greeting
card of FIG. 4 with the trial flap partially removed;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the greeting
card of FIG. 4 with the trial flap fully removed; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of another portion of the
greeting card of FIG. 4 with an instruction sticker partially
removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring now to the drawings in more detail and initially
to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally designates a greeting card
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The greeting card 10 includes a card body 12. In the
illustrated embodiment, the card body 12 includes a front panel 14,
a back panel 16, and an interior panel 18. As readily understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art, the card body 12 may consist of a
single piece of card stock that has been folded along fold lines 20
to provide panels 14, 16 and 18, as depicted in the illustrated
embodiment. It would also be readily understood that the panels 14,
16, 18 may be individual panels that are joined to one another and
any number of methods known in the art and that the card body 12
could have any number of panels.
[0017] A trial mode panel or flap 22 is also provided and is
preferably coupled with the card body 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the trial mode panel 22 is a part of and is cut out
with the card blank that forms the card body 12. The fold line 20,
however, between the trial mode panel 22 and the interior panel 18
is scored to provide a perforated tear line 24. The purpose of the
tear line will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior panel 18 has
been folded back such that it overlies the back panel 16. The
interior panel 18 and the back panel 16 have been secured together
along an upper edge 26 of the card body 12 and along a lower edge
28 of the card body 12. A right edge 30 of the card body 12 has
been left unsecured to the back panel 16. As such, the interior
panel 18 and the back panel 16 define a pocket or cavity 32 into
which an audio message recording and playback device 34 may be
positioned.
[0019] Turning now to FIG. 4, the audio device 34 is illustrated.
The audio device 34, for ease of manufacture and assembly of the
greeting card 10, may be provided on a carrier 36. The carrier 36
can then be adhered to inner surfaces 38 of the front and back
panels 14, 16. Alternatively, the components of the audio device 34
may be individually positioned inside the pocket 32.
[0020] The audio device 34 preferably includes a speaker 40, a
microphone 42, a circuit board 44, an integrated circuit 46, a
power supply 48, and first, second and third switches 50, 52, and
54. In addition to the electrical components mentioned, which are
coupled to the circuit board 44, other electrical components 56 are
coupled with the circuit board 44 as would be readily understood
and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the audio device 34 includes
a separate speaker 40 and microphone 42. It is to be understood
that the two separate devices could be replaced by one combination
device and still be within the scope of the present invention.
Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment the audio device 34
includes two separate integrated circuits 46. The two separate
integrated circuits could be replaced by a single integrated
circuit having the functionality discussed herein. Further still,
in the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 48 is provided by
three separate batteries 48. Other methods of powering the audio
device 34 are known and within the scope of the present
invention.
[0022] The first switch 50 is configured to provide the audio
device 34 with activation of the recording feature of the audio
device 34. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the first
switch 50 is implemented as a record button 50. As would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the pressing of the
recorded button 50 initiates a recording session whereby a user may
record their own audio message to the recording device 34 by way of
the microphone 42. In the illustrated configuration, the recording
sessions lasts as long as the record button 50 is depressed or
until the capacity of the memory of the audio device 34 is
reached.
[0023] The second switch 52, in the illustrated embodiment, has
been implemented as a slide switch 52. The slide switch includes a
contact arm 58 which is biased into engagement with a contact
surface (not shown) on the circuit board 44. The slide switch 52
also includes a slide tab 60 that is movable between the first
position partially illustrated in FIG. 1, where a portion of the
slide tab 60 is intermediate the contact arm 58 and the contact
surface of the circuit board 44, thereby creating an open circuit,
and the second position illustrated in FIG. 4, where the greeting
card 10 is in an open position and an aperture 62 in the slide tab
60 permits the contact arm 58 to abut the contact surface of the
circuit board 44, thereby creating a closed circuit. A proximal end
64 of the slide tab 60 may be positioned over the inner surface 38
of the front panel 14 whereby movement of the front panel 14 away
from the interior panel 18 (i.e., opening the card) pulls the slide
tab 60 out from between the contact arm 58 and the contact surface
of the circuit board 44 and whereby subsequent closing of the
greeting card 10 (i.e., moving the front panel 14 towards the
interior panel 18) moves the slide tab 60 back between the contact
arm 58 and the contact surface of the circuit board 44.
[0024] At the illustrated embodiment, the third switch 54 is
implemented as a tear switch 54. The tear switch includes a strip
66 having a path 68 thereon. A portion of the strip 66 is coupled
with the trial mode panel 22 and another portion of the strip is
coupled with the circuit board 44. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4 where the strip 66 is still one piece, electricity may flow
from the circuit board 44 through the path 68 and return back to
the circuit board 44, thereby informing the audio device 34 that
the trial mode panel 22 is still in place and that the audio device
34 should function in its trial mode. When the trial mode panel 22
is detached from the greeting card 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
the strip 66 is torn into two pieces and the path 68 is broken. As
a result, the tear switch 54 is moved from a closed circuit to an
open circuit, the change in the state of the tear switch 54 is
recognized by the audio device 34, and the audio device 34
functions in a use mode.
[0025] When appearing in a store for sale, the greeting card 10
appears generally as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this condition
(i.e., where the trial mode panel 22 is still coupled with the card
body 12), the greeting card 10 is in its trial mode. In one
embodiment of the trial mode, upon opening of the greeting card 10
as illustrated in FIG. 1, a first prerecorded and preferably
permanent recording is played followed by a second prerecorded and
permanent recording. In this embodiment, the first recording is an
audio message containing spoken instructions regarding how to
record a test message for playback. An example of a possible first
message would be, "press and hold button to record your message
before the song." In this embodiment, the first recording is
immediately followed by the second recording. In this embodiment,
the second recording is a song or music clip. In the illustrated
embodiment, the song that correlates with the text and graphics
(i.e., the sentiment) on the greeting card is the song "Bang The
Drum All Day" by Todd Rundgren. Once the song is played, the audio
device 34 waits for further user input. The trial mode panel 22 may
also be provided with instruction text and/or graphics to inform
the user how to record a test message.
[0026] To record the test message, the user presses the record
button 50 to initiate a recording session. In the illustrated
embodiment, a removable location label 70 is provided to visibly
indicate the position of the record button 50 that is concealed in
the pocket 32 between the interior panel 18 and the back panel 16.
A user may choose to pinch the record button 50 between their thumb
and a finger to initiate the record sequence.
[0027] Upon completion of recording a test message, the user
releases the record button 50. At this point, the audio device 34
automatically initiates playback of the test message so that the
user may hear their recording. To give the user/potential purchaser
a more accurate understanding of what it would be like to receive
the card, the test message is followed by playing of the second
recording, in this case the song. Once the test message and the
song have been played, the audio device 34 waits for subsequent
user interaction. The trial mode does not provide a way for the
test message to be played a second time. This prevents a situation
where a first person in a store records an inappropriate message on
the greeting card 10 and leaves it on the shelf to be subsequently
played back to a second unsuspecting person at a later time upon
opening the card. In this regard, upon closing the card 10 when it
is in its trial mode, the audio device 34 reverts to its default
procedures and subsequent opening of the card 10 results in playing
of the instruction recording followed by the music recording.
[0028] A second instruction recording may be stored on the audio
device 34 to further assist a user in recording a message. In one
embodiment, the second message would be played immediately upon
pressing of the record button 50. A sample second instruction
recording is, "record your message after the beep. Beep." Though
not necessary, preferably closing of the card turns off the
instructions or music immediately. Similarly, depression of the
record button 50 interrupts the first instruction recording or the
music.
[0029] Once a person purchases the greeting card 10, they may
switch the greeting card 10 from the trial mode to the use mode.
This is done by tearing off and/or removing the trial mode panel 22
from the greeting card 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Once
the greeting card 10 has been put in the use mode, as illustrated
in FIG. 6, the audio device 34 permits repeated playback of a user
stored message upon activation of the audio device 34 by the second
or slide switch 52 upon opening of the card 10. If the user desires
to re-record a message prior to sending the card to the intended
recipient, the user simply presses the record button 50 again to
initiate another record session, thereby recording a new message
over the old message. Once the user is satisfied with the message,
the user may remove the label 70 and send the greeting card 10 to
the intended recipient. Removal of the label 70 is not necessary;
however, removal of the label 70 helps avoid the recipient
accidentally recording over the message originally recorded and
sent to them by the card sender. Similarly, the audio device 34 is
configured to ignore activation of the record button 50 when the
second switch 52 is in its open position (i.e., when the greeting
card 10 is closed). This also prevents accidental recording over
the intended message should the record button be pressed during the
mailing process. It should be noted that, in the use mode, the
first recording or the first instruction recording is not played
initially upon opening of the greeting card 10. Instead, the user
recorded message is played immediately upon opening of the card 10
followed by the second recording, which in the illustrated
embodiment is a song.
[0030] Many variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment
and/or discussed embodiments of the present invention without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Such
modifications are within the scope of the present invention. For
example, the positions of the switches 50, 52, 54 can be inverted
and the types of switches could be changed. For example, while the
tear switch 54 presents a closed circuit in the trial mode and an
open mode in the use mode, this could be switched such that removal
of the trial mode panel 22 closes the third switch 54.
Alternatively, different types of "switches" could be used as would
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term
"switches" is used in its broadest sense. Another possible
modification would be replacing the slide switch 52 with a light
detection mechanism such that opening of the card 10 is recognized
by a change in light, thereby sending a signal to the audio device
34 to initiate a playback sequence. Further, while the user
recorded message is followed by the pre-recorded/non-user recorded
recording in one of the embodiments discussed above, it is within
the scope of the present invention for the user recorded message to
be played before, during and/or after the pre-recorded recording.
Other modifications would be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0031] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and
which are inherent to the method and apparatus. It will be
understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility
and may be employed without reference to other features and
subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of
the invention.
[0032] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative of applications of
the principles of this invention, and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *